Editor’s note: Seeking mentors and allies is important, but so is learning to advocate for yourself, says Grace Liu, chief operating officer at the Legacy Trust.
In today’s Female Leadership interview, Liu shares her advice for aspiring female finance professionals, how she values finance functions that foster inclusive leadership, and the various hobbies she enjoys.
FutureCFO: What does a typical day look like for you?
Grace Liu (GL): There is rarely a “typical” day in my role, and that is one of the aspects I enjoy most.
My responsibilities span operations, governance, people management, and strategic execution, which means each day brings a different mix of priorities.
I usually begin my day by reviewing key operational matters, regulatory or governance issues, and any people-related topics that require attention. This helps me set a clear focus and allocate time effectively.
A significant part of my day is spent working closely with senior management and team leaders to ensure that day-to-day execution remains aligned with the organisation’s strategic direction. I place great value on open and regular dialogue with my leadership team.
These conversations allow us to surface issues early, exchange perspectives, and make well-informed decisions before challenges escalate. I believe trust is built through consistency and transparency, and maintaining these discussions is critical.
Another core aspect of my role involves supporting teams through complex or high-pressure decisions — particularly in the fiduciary landscape. This requires clarity, composure, and a balanced approach—considering both risks and opportunities.
As a female leader, I consciously emphasise communication, inclusion, and collaboration. I believe leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating an environment where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to perform at their best. This mindset shapes how I approach each day.
FutureCFO: What excites you the most when you work with the finance function?
GL: What excites me most when working with the finance function is when it moves beyond reporting numbers and historical data, and becomes a true strategic partner to the business.
Finance has the unique ability to translate complex information into insights that support confident and forward-looking decision- making.
When finance professionals actively contribute to shaping strategy rather than simply validating outcomes, the impact on the organisation is significant.
Grace Liu, COO, Legacy Trust
I am particularly energised by finance leaders who combine analytical rigour with sound judgment. While technical accuracy is essential, the ability to interpret data in context, understand business realities, and communicate implications clearly is what differentiates strong finance professionals.
Increasingly, I see finance teams playing a proactive role by anticipating risks, identifying trends, and guiding leadership through uncertainty with clarity and discipline, particularly vital in trustee services where long-term asset stewardship is paramount.
I also value finance functions that foster inclusive leadership. The most effective finance teams encourage dialogue, challenge assumptions constructively, and collaborate across functions rather than operating in silos. This approach not only improves decision quality but also strengthens trust across the organisation.
When finance is viewed as an enabler rather than a gatekeeper, it empowers the entire business to move forward with confidence. That evolution is what I find most rewarding.
FutureCFO: Can you briefly describe your career journey and one or two highlights along the way?
GL: My career journey has been shaped by long-term growth within the same organisation, where I have spent the past 11 years gaining exposure across all major business functions.
This continuity allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the operational, financial, regulatory, and people-related challenges faced by the organisation. Rather than progressing through frequent role changes, I grew by taking on broader responsibilities and increasingly complex mandates.
Over the past four years, I have served as Chief Operating Officer, where I am responsible for driving execution, governance, and organisational resilience. In this role, I have been closely involved in navigating complex business challenges and transforming risks into sustainable opportunities.
One career highlight was receiving a recent STEP Rising Star award, which recognised my professional commitment and expertise within the industry.
Another highlight has been the opportunity to evolve into a leadership role where I can integrate deep operational knowledge with strategic oversight.
This journey has reinforced the importance of adaptability, accountability, and continuous development. It has also shown me that leadership is not defined by a single milestone, but by consistent contribution, learning, and the ability to support others in achieving shared goals.
FutureCFO: Can you share an experience which was key to your professional growth?
GL: A defining experience in my professional growth was being entrusted with broader leadership responsibilities during a period of uncertainty.
At the time, I was closely involved in helping my organisation navigate a challenging financial and operational environment, including navigating evolving regulatory landscapes and external market pressures. The situation required balancing risk management with strategic decision-making, while maintaining stability and confidence across the business.
This experience demanded a disciplined and structured approach. I worked closely with the finance function to assess risks, prioritise critical actions, and identify opportunities even under pressure. Decisions had to be made with incomplete information, which reinforced the importance of judgment, resilience, and adaptability.
Collaboration was essential — aligning different teams around clear priorities allowed us to execute effectively despite constraints.
Through focused execution and clear communication, we were able to stabilise the business and strengthen its financial position. More importantly, the experience reinforced my confidence in leading through complexity.
As a female leader, it was a powerful reminder that calmness, objectivity, and thoughtful decision-making are strengths, particularly in times of uncertainty. This experience shaped my leadership approach and reinforced my belief that challenges, when handled well, can become catalysts for sustained growth and opportunity.
FutureCFO: Tell us something about yourself: What are your hobbies?
GL: Outside of work, I place strong importance on wellness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I practise yoga and Pilates regularly, which help me stay grounded, focused, and physically balanced.
These practices allow me to manage stress and maintain clarity, which is essential in a leadership role.
I also enjoy art and painting, and I regularly visit art galleries. These activities allow me to express creativity and view the world from different perspectives beyond the corporate environment.
Music is another important outlet for me — I occasionally play the piano and enjoy attending concerts, which provide both creative inspiration and mental relaxation.
In addition, I enjoy playing golf with my family, combining leisure with quality time together. Beyond personal interests, I am actively involved in charitable work and community initiatives. Giving back and supporting the less fortunate are values I prioritise and consciously pass on to my children.
These interests help me maintain perspective, empathy, and creativity, all of which positively influence my leadership approach.
FutureCFO: What do you want to do in the future?
GL: Looking ahead, I aim to further expand my entrepreneurial scope by driving growth and expansion within my current organisation.
I am particularly interested in building scalable and sustainable business platforms that are supported by strong governance frameworks and sound financial discipline. Creating enduring value, rather than pursuing short-term gains, remains a key focus.
I intend to continue developing within the trustee and fiduciary services industry, where I can help clients safeguard and preserve assets across generations. This industry aligns closely with my values of responsibility, trust, and multi-generational stewardship.
I also hope to continue contributing at a strategic level while supporting the development of future leaders within the organisation.
Remaining adaptable, purpose-driven, and open to new opportunities will continue to guide my professional journey. I believe meaningful growth comes from aligning professional ambition with values, and I look forward to contributing in ways that create lasting impact for both the business and the broader community.
FutureCFO: What’s your advice to female finance & accounting professionals of today?
GL: My advice to female finance and accounting professionals is to build strong technical foundations while also investing in communication and strategic thinking.
Technical expertise is essential, but the ability to articulate insights, influence decisions, and connect numbers to business outcomes is what accelerates leadership growth.
I would also encourage women not to wait until they feel completely ready before taking on new challenges. Growth often happens through stretch opportunities, and confidence is built through experience rather than perfection.
Be confident in your voice and perspectives — diversity of thought strengthens decision-making, and your insights matter.
Seeking mentors and allies is important, but so is learning to advocate for yourself. Understand your value, communicate your contributions clearly, and do not hesitate to step forward when opportunities arise.
Finally, authentic leadership is far more powerful than imitation. You do not need to lead like someone else to be effective. Staying true to your values and leading with integrity is what builds long-term credibility and impact.
